Christian Pulisic joined the fray at the start of the second half to inspire Milan to a massive 1-0 win at newly-promoted Genoa. Stefano Pioli’s side didn’t impress at Stadio Luigi Ferraris but grabbed a vital three points to enter the international break as Serie A leaders.
Milan took advantage of Inter’s slip-up earlier today to go two points clear at the Serie A summit with a fifth win on their last six league visits to Genoa. Pioli made a calculated risk by benching his first-choice frontline, which almost backfired.
However, Pulisic made the difference with a spectacular goal in the 87th minute. Incredible scenes took place at Luigi Ferraris in stoppage time. Referee Marco Piccinini sent off Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan for a brutal tackle on Caleb Ekuban, forcing Olivier Giroud to take the gloves.
Moments later, Genoa stopper Josep Martinez picked up his second yellow card and joined Maignan in the locker rooms. Milan survived a late drama to take home a precious victory.
Let’s look at our player ratings.
Milan (4-3-3)
Mike Maignan – 5
The highly-rated goalkeeper demonstrated his class, pulling off a vital diving save to deny Radu Dragusin’s effort late in the second half despite spending most of the game as a spectator beforehand. Blew everything up with a horror tackle that earned him a red card.
Alessandro Florenzi – 6
Wayward could be the best way to describe the wing-back’s display tonight. He wasted countless diagonal balls, even though there was no need to force the issue. On top of that, he was punching the ball from long range for no good reason.
Malick Thiaw – 7
The German center-back man marked Mateo Retegui to perfection. Every tackle was on the money, and he even got away without a booking for several clumsy challenges higher up the pitch. But his ability on the ball stood out this evening.
Fikayo Tomori – 7.5
There’s a good reason many consider him one of the best defenders in Serie A, and the Frenchman showed why tonight. He was faster, stronger, and better positioned than his opponents, giving Genoa forwards no chance all night long. Defensive masterclass!
Theo Hernandez – 6.5
Although he wasn’t as decisive as he can be, the star left-back rose to the occasion. He displayed significant mental strength to refrain from making reckless challenges after picking up an early yellow card. Attacking-wise, not one of his best showings.
Yacine Adli – 7
It looks like the ever-improving deep-lying playmaker is hellbent on cementing his place in Pioli’s starting lineup. He had more possession of the ball than any other Milan player tonight, won more midfield battles than most players on either side and dictated the play for over an hour.
Tijjani Reijnders – 7
His work ratio is insane. Genoa midfielders couldn’t keep up with his pace and determination as he helped Rossoneri establish themselves as a supreme force in the center of the park with another electrifying display. It’s a shame he’s yet to score, but goals will come if he continues like this.
Yunus Musah – 7
The United States international’s tireless runs down the middle and his combative spirit is something Milan had been missing before his arrival. He left his heart and soul on the field, making sure the visitors outrun and outmuscle Genoa.
Samuel Chukwueze – 6.5
The Nigerian was a rare bright spot in an otherwise uneventful first half at Luigi Ferraris. Fancy footwork, blistering speed, and tactical ingenuity made him the most entertaining player before halftime. But a lack of end product continues to wrestle him down.
Noah Okafor – 5.5
Playing on the wing didn’t suit him as well as a center-forward role. He struggled to impact the game from the left flank, giving Milan boss Pioli no choice but to take him off at halftime.
Luka Jovic – 6
It’s never pleasant to be a lone striker without a proper service into the box. However, the Serbian dealt with frustration well, battling and bruising with two Genoa center-backs for most of the night.
Substitutes
Christian Pulisic – 7.5
There’s nothing more a coach can expect from a substitute. The USMNT forward came off the bench a produced a moment of magic to win three points for Milan.
Rafael Leao – 6.5
Not as productive as Pulisic, but made the Genoa backline sweat in the second half.
Olivier Giroud – 7
We all knew about his scoring prowess tonight, but he showed some impressive goalkeeping skills to help Milan survive one of the most dramatic match finales in recent history.
Davide Calabria – 6.5
Replaced Florenzi and did his defensive job to a tee.
Davide Bartesaghi – N/A
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